Magnificent Decay: Detroit by Drone

Urban ruin porn has gotten so ubiquitous it’s morphed into a dedicated genre, and no other city seems to garner the attention of amateur shooters cataloging a metropolis’ decline more than Detroit. But how do you take it to the next level? Cue the drones.

YouTube user Tretch5000 took to the skies to show the beauty and blight of one of the U.S.’ former industrial hubs, flying his modified quadrocopter with an HD camera over abandoned homes and factories, the majestic Michigan Central Station and the lush grounds of Belle Isle nestled within the Detroit river.

It’s an eclectic mix of modern and decayed Detroit, blending the new with the old, all while showing off Tretch5000’s FPV flying skills. We’re suitably smitten, and would like to hear more about his quadrocopter setup.